The return of the Miami quarterback has Hill amped up for Week 8

In Week 1 against the Jaguars, the Dolphins put up 400 yards of offense. It was an impressive showing, but not entirely new–the Dolphins topped 400 yards six times last season, and went over 500 yards three times. Heck, they went over 700 yards one time.

Since then, the offense has gone into the tank, averaging just 289 yards per game. The difference has been obvious: In Week 2, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion and has been out since. In his place, the Dolphins rolled out a circus of backup quarterbacks, starting with Sklyar Thompson and Tyler Huntley, and winding up with Tim Boyle last week.

But in Week 8 against the Cardinals, Tagovailoa will shake off any lingering medical concerns and get back on the field. He has been off for more than a month, and coach Mike McDaniel cautioned his team that Taglovailoa is, “not the savior.”

Jun 4, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) speaks to reporters during mandatory minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Dolphins star Tyreek Hill

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

But for star receiver Tyreek Hill, who has thrived playing with Taglovailoa in Miami, McDaniel’s warning was met with a roll of the eyes.

“Say what he wants to say,” Hill told reporters on Wednesday, “but Tua is that guy. He is that deal. He’s a big part of this team, I’m going to keep saying that. Every guy in this locker room knows that. Obviously when we go play a game, it’s next man up; that’s the mentality all day.

“That’s the mentality all day, but when Tua is a part of this offense, can’t nobody stop us, bro. We should score every day, that’s the way I look at it. That’s the way I look at it. we’ve got too much talent.”

Hill said no one was more excited to see Tagovailoa back at practice than he was. After racking up 130 yards and a touchdown on seven catches in the opener, Hill totaled just 164 yards and no touchdowns in the following five weeks.

Hill suggested that the only folks who might be as excited as he is about Tagovaliloa are fantasy football owners.

His enthusiasm for those who held onto him through Tagovailoa’s time away was obvious for Hill.

“We’re back, baby!” he said. “Strike up the f——g band! We’re back, baby! Start me this week, baby! Let’s go.”